The Toledo-Detroit Province has elected Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS, to minister as Provincial Superior in June 2023. Fr. Joe grew up in Toledo and was first introduced to the Oblates at Christ the King Parish where he attended grade school and served as an altar server. He went on to St. Francis de Sales School and DeSales University (DSU). In both of these settings, he continued to meet Oblates and developed friendships with many priests and brothers.

Fr. Joe always felt very at home with the Oblates. He appreciated their friendship and encouragement throughout his years as a high school and undergraduate student. “They wanted me to become the person God created me to be,” he recalled.

After graduating from DSU with a degree in biology, Fr. Joe began teaching and living at St. Francis de Sales School. He felt great joy living and working in community and chose to become an Oblate. He received his Master of Divinity from the University of Toronto and was ordained an Oblate priest in 2013.

Fr. Joe’s ministry continued at St. Francis de Sales School where he has served as teacher, Director of Admissions, and, most recently, Vice-President. With a lifelong interest in science, Fr. Joe loved teaching math, chemistry, and physics at St. Francis. His favorite class however was Salesian Leadership where students work in cohorts to explore the intersections of spirituality and leadership and collaborate with community mentors on projects. Fr. Joe also ministers at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and Camp DeSales. He serves as Foundational Chair for St. Francis de Sales School Foundation and is a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Francis de Sales School.

When elected Provincial, Fr. Joe felt great shock and awe and told his Oblate brothers, “I give you my whole heart.” He looks forward to serving his Oblate brothers and, as he did with his students, challenging them to reimagine and rethink how they do what they do.

Fr. Joe is excited about this new ministry and keeping the momentum of the Toledo-Detroit Province. He is confident that he will continue to “keep falling in love with the religious life, God, and people” he ministers with as Provincial.